Hi we have a varigated holly bus that has a stem that is about 4ft
where the leaves are yellow.
Is this ok?
Do we need to do something?

p.s. Does holly like acid / peaty soil?

On Sun, 11 Apr 2004 17:04:03 +0100, Tom wrote:

Hi we have a varigated holly bus that has a stem that is about 4ft
where the leaves are yellow.
Is this ok?
Do we need to do something?

p.s. Does holly like acid / peaty soil?

I only dropped in for some advice on lilies. This is just the sort of
problem I enjoy. I have googled, and it may depend on what precise
variety of ilex you have. However, although many places describe the
plant as tolerating all soils, or requiring neutral soil, there are
some indications that American hollies may need acidic soil. There
are also indications that iron deficiency may be problem.

Yellowing of leaves may also be a nitrogen problem, which was my first
thought.

The plant certainly isn't acid intolerant or lime requiring, as far as
I can see, so a treatment with an ericaceous fertlizer might well deal
with both the possible nitrogen and iron problems at the same time. I
wouldn't mulch with manure, as that is often on the alkaline side of
things.

You might try chucking a peatish mulch on it, if you can bring
yourself to do that.

I expect someone with greater knowledge will be along in a minute.

Glenys
--
"A Newsweek poll said if the election were held today, John Kerry
would beat Bush 49 percent to 46 percent. And today, President Bush
called Newsweek magazine a threat to world peace." Jay Leno